Two costumes from the Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” have been donated to the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History. Ryan Lintelman, curator of the museum’s entertainment collection, received the costumes at a ceremony following the show’s matinée on Oct. 18, which also marked the musical’s 2,500th performance on Broadway.
“Hadestown” donated the green dress, boots, choker and flower headpiece worn by Ani DiFranco as Persephone and the pinstripe suit jacket, pants, vest, shirt, tie and snakeskin boots worn by Tony nominee Patrick Page as Hades. The costumes, designed by Michael Krass, who earned a Tony nomination for his design, will join the museum’s collection of theater artifacts. Currently, the collection includes costumes from historic Broadway productions of “Hamilton,” “Hello, Dolly!,” “A Chorus Line,” “Cats” and “Fiddler on the Roof.” At this time, there are no imminent plans to display the “Hadestown” pieces.
“‘Hadestown’ is a deeply resonant piece of theater that connects ancient myth with modern struggles, reminding us of the enduring power of love and hope through its innovative staging and folk-rock score,” said the museum’s director Anthea M. Hartig in a statement. “These objects are a perfect addition to the National Museum of American History’s richly diverse entertainment collections.”
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Located on the National Mall in Washington, D.C., the Smithsonian’s National Museum of American History is dedicated to documenting and sharing U.S. history through the preservation of, research into and display of artifacts and more. In addition to costumes, the museum’s entertainment collection includes three Tony Awards, props from the Off-Broadway musical “The Fantasticks” and numerous programs and posters.
Written by Anaïs Mitchell, “Hadestown” began as an independent theater project touring Mitchell’s home state of Vermont. Songs from the musical were later recorded and released as a concept album in 2010, with an Off-Broadway production at New York Theatre Workshop in 2016. “Hadestown” opened at Broadway’s Walter Kerr Theatre on April 17, 2019, where it has since become the longest-running show in the venue’s history. The musical was nominated for 14 Tonys, winning eight, including Best Musical and best score for Mitchell.
“Hadestown” is produced on Broadway by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold and Tom Kirdahy.
